How to lighten my hair color

[Tweetybird999]

Anyone know how to lighten my hair color? It's colored "light brown", but is quite dark. I'd like to try dark blond, but do I have to strip my hair color first?

[vesper]

I seriously would pay the money and have it done professionally. It is like paining your house, to precious to do your self unless you are REALLY good at doing it. This is where I would not bother trying to save money!

[Darth Penguin]

ITA going lighter needs a professional to make sure you don't strip out all the natural pigments and make it look fake.

[Darla]

Hey there! When did you last colour your hair? usually you would need to grow out the old color or strip it out before proceeding to lightnen it, its a difficult process to do yourself honestly. You could try the John Frieda Go Blonder for a subtle overall lightening effect (it won't make your blonde!!) or just go to the salon. GL!

[Tweetybird999]

Ok, so consensus is go to the salon. Same answer I got from the Clairol online chat. I guess this is one area where bottles of diy isn't a good idea. Thanks.

[vesper]

You'll look outstanding!!

[rubyJacksonn]

See a professional colorist.
Wash your hair with original blue Dawn dishwashing liquid. Only do this once or twice and condition it well, because it is very drying.
Lighten your hair with hot oil hair treatments. Very few people know about this
Sit in the sun. Use a sunscreen if you want to protect your skin, but leave your hair exposed
Wait a few weeks to see if the color fades on its own. Very often, haircolor will be brighter and more noticeable right after you dye it.

[anisa]

the boxes of dye at the drug store show you what your hair will look like when you simply use a lighter color on your hair.

whether or not you have to bleach your hair first depends on where you are starting from and how much lighter you want to go.

i've done lots of experimenting at home by myself. i have almost black hair, and i have gone blonde, purple, red, and every shade of brown and never had any problems.

i am not saying you SHOULD do it yourself, i am just saying that it can be done without any mishaps if you are careful about it.

[missxhillary]

if you want a cheap easy way to do it at home, buy the developer and colour you want, i suggest only getting a 20 volume, if you go more you'll damage the hair more. The 20 volume will take a lot longer to develop but it should do the trick.

if it comes out a little off, just throw a toner on it.

(my hair is platinum blonde and i do it myself, the bleach, the toner, the shampoo to take out brassiness etc)

[RebeccaRYoung]

I'd just go to a professional salon. It's going to be more expensive, but at least your hair won't be ruined. I agree with saving some money when it's good and appropriate, but colouring hair can be difficult.

[Tweetybird999]

Thanks everyone. I discussed this with my hairdresser. He warned me about damage because I have very fine hair. Think I'll just leave it light brown until I go grey...then it will be better to be a dark blond.

[nancyliu0522]

Good to know that ~

[prince2]

I think you should keep the light brown.This is good for you.

[krysta lynne]

im with hilary on this. i go to the bso and buy everything that the hairdressers use. and im nearly platinum blonde now. (went from cherry black to blonde)

[Kelly5]

I never, ever, ever would dye my own hair. Always go professional!